Job Description

Position Summary:

This associate’s primary responsibilities will consist of that of an Assistant Solids Apprentice/Operator. Under direct supervision of the Bio-solids Process Supervisor and leadership from the Operations Engineer. This position is directly involved in all aspects of plant operation and maintenance that impacts residuals (solids) production and processing. Secondary duties consist of working in the capacity of a tractor-trailer driver. Duties consist of driving tractor-trailer to transport treatment residuals from wastewater treatment plant to a disposal site, stage equipment as needed around the site for solids dewatering and conduct pick-up and delivery of solids equipment for maintenance.

Essential Functions:

• Monitoring and Control - Determine normal-condition solids handling operational schemes, targets, and wasting rates for primary and secondary treatment as required to maintain the solids handling process, monitor, track, and trend solids removal data, develop chemically enhanced avenues to remove solids from process.
• Thickening Optimization - Monitor solids concentration and flow.
• Cake Optimization - Develop and maintain tracking/trending data on solids information, train and direct associates in optimized operation of dewatering equipment, coordinate periodic inspection and refurbishment of dewatering equipment.
• Polymer Optimization - Monitor and track polymer dosing, train operating staff on determining optimized polymer dosing, develop monitoring strategies to automate optimum polymer dosing.
• Loading Optimization - Develop strategies for filling trailers to maximum DOT allowable weights, track load efficiencies from landfill ticket information, occasionally perform haul and tipping at landfill to stay aware of logistic issues.

• Maintains grit pad operation and trailer storage area.
• Assist in solids handling treatment and disposal processes, meeting all state and federal regulations.
• Collect and log samples for control and optimization of solids handling processes.
• Monitor and perform calculations, implement, and optimize chemical dosages.
• Required to work with chemicals.
• Monitor and ensure that all equipment is in proper working condition; communicate with the solids supervisor

and/or maintenance/fleet department personnel concerning problems encountered.

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment as required.
• Job performance must conform to all CWS policies and procedures.
• Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures.

Additional Duties

• May be required to haul on weekends.
• May be required to drive out of town to alternative disposal sites.
• Enter data into a computer database.
• May be required to participate in Intra/Inter Departmental cross training.
• Basic overview of SCADA Screens/Computer operated equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and with a 2-way radio, to include comprehension of complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to operate and maintain motor vehicles.
• Frequently positions self to use up to 50 lbs of force to move objects. Ability to reach and pull as necessary to perform task associated with securing watertight trailer tailgate with turnbuckles.
• Must be able to perform tasks associated with coupling/uncoupling tractors and trailers.
• Must be able to make visual observations of load conditions.
• Constantly works in internal / external environmental conditions. Subject to atmospheric conditions of one or more of the following that affect the respiratory system or skin: Fumes (paint), odors, dusts, gases, etc. Personnel Protective Equipment Required.
• Must be able to open and close tarp covers on trailers.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral and written communication and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making adjustments to equipment.
• Ability to convey detailed instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, and quickly.
• Ability to make visual observations of all basins and equipment, obtain instrument readings, collect samples and field test readings from numerous sample points.
• Must be able to maneuver large valve operator wheels and chain mechanisms.
• Ability to lift, carry and/or pour 50-pound bags of dry chemicals from a height of four feet from the floor.
• Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion. On occasion this can require greater than 50 lbs. of force. Objects greater than 50 lbs require a two-person operation.
• Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
• Routinely ascend/descend ladders, stairs and ramps as high as thirteen (13) stories at Plum Island and three (3) stories at Hanahan. Ability to work at elevated height levels as needed to perform various task.
• Constantly positions self to move, traverse for long distances as necessary to perform required work. Must be able to move about extensively to make inspections of treatment plant with varied topography and features.
• Constantly works in internal / external environmental conditions. Subject to atmospheric conditions of one or more of the following that affect the respiratory system or skin: Fumes (paint), odors, dusts, gases, etc. Personnel Protective Equipment Required.
• Worker may be required to wear a respirator and/or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Required to work with chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Ability to navigate restricted spaces such as chemical pits, spiral stairwell, etc as needed to perform required job functions.
• Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Two (2) years experience in over-the-road tractor-trailer hauling.
• Familiarity with safe handling practices for hazardous materials.
• Must have a strong technical aptitude.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use a calculator.
• Basic computer skills with windows-based word processing and spreadsheet software. (Prefer Word and Excel)
• Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• Valid South Carolina Commercial Driver’s License Class A required.
• “D” Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License required within 6 months of hire.
• “C” Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License required within 18 months of hire.

NOTE: Flexibility in time requirements will be given due to priority in hauling operations.

Training Needs:

• OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.
• Skills Based Training.
• Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) per department requirements.
• ISO 14001 standards for department and company.
• See Department Competency and Training Matrix for this position.

Potential Career Path:

ELIGIBILITY FOR PROMOTION TO VARIOUS POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMISSION DEPENDS UPON INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND NOTED JOB PROGRESSIONS ARE NO GUARANTEE OF CAREER PATH TO THESE OR ANY OTHER JOB(S) AT THE COMMISSION.

• 
  Transitional Wastewater Treatment Operator
• Solids Handling Operator
• Journeyman Operator